Heidelberg to stage The Vagina Monologues

TIFFIN - In celebration of V-Day, a global grassroots movement to stop violence against women and girls, Heidelberg College's Office of Student Activities and Leadership Development will stage Eve Ensler's The Vagina Monologues, a poignant and hilarious look at female intimacy, vulnerability and sexual self-discovery.

The production, directed by Resident Coordinator Hilary Caron and starring 13 Heidelberg students and one graduate intern, will be at 8 p.m. Wednesday (Feb. 28) in Ohl Concert Hall, Brenneman Music Hall.

Celebrated as the bible for a new generation of women, The Vagina Monologues has been performed in cities across America and at hundreds of college campuses. It is based on interviews with more than 200 women about their memories and experiences with sexuality. It has been described as witty, irreverent, compassionate and wise.

Caron said she believes The Vagina Monologues is a production whose time has come. "I hope we are able to speak to every person about what it means to be a woman, what it means to be a woman in the U.S. or anywhere in the world," she said. "We want to bring awareness to issues that need to be talked about." The cast of actresses, all of whom are new to the stage, will accomplish  this with a little humor and an attempt to break down stereotypes.

Reetha Perananamgam, director of Student Activities and Leadership Development, said she hopes the production will be a valuable exercise in critical thinking and an eye-opener for those who attend. "We are pushing the limits, but that's what higher education is all about," she said.

"If one person walks away thinking differently, then it will have been a success," Caron added.

The production contains adult language and sensitive subject matter, and is not appropriate for younger audiences.

Proceeds from Heidelberg's production of The Vagina Monologues will be given to Open Arms Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Center in Findlay and the V-Day organization.

Tickets are $2 for all students and $5 for all others in advance, and $6 at the door. Call 419-448-2261 for ticket reservations or additional information.